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SOS203Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Agroclimatology

This course introduces the fundamental principles of agro-climatology, exploring the relationship between climate and agricultural practices. It covers elements of weather and climate, atmospheric dynamics, and seasonal variations. Students will learn to measure climatic elements, understand their impact on agriculture in the tropics, and apply this knowledge to improve agricultural management and productivity. The course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of climatic systems for better agricultural decision-making.

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78h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Agro-climatologyWeatherClimateAgricultureTropics

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
🔬
Learning Type
Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Weather and Climate

2

Atmospheric Dynamics

3

Solar Radiation

4

Humidity

5

Precipitation

6

Tropical Agriculture

7

Meteorological Instruments

8

Evapotranspiration

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of geography

Introductory science courses

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Agricultural Climatologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Farm Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Meteorological Technician

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureEnvironmental ManagementWeather ForecastingClimate ResearchDisaster Management

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 1: Principles, Aims and Scope of Climatology

2 study hours
  • •Define weather and climate and differentiate between them.
  • •Explain the principles, aims, and scope of climatology.
  • •Discuss the influence of human activities on weather and climate.

Unit 2: Elements of Climate and Weather I

2 study hours
  • •Describe the climatic elements and their characteristics.
  • •Explain the factors influencing temperature, including solar and net radiation.
  • •Discuss the impact of cloud cover and surface types on temperature.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 3: Elements and Control of Climate and Weather II

2 study hours
  • •Explain the influence of precipitation, pressure and winds on weather and climate.
  • •Describe the forms of condensation, including dew, frost, fog, and clouds.
  • •Discuss the types of precipitation: rain, drizzle, snow, sleet, and hail.

Unit 4: Dynamics of Earth's Atmosphere

2 study hours
  • •Explain the factors influencing atmospheric circulation, such as radiation balance and pressure gradient.
  • •Describe the atmospheric motions at primary, secondary, and tertiary scales.
  • •Discuss the general circulation of the atmosphere and other circulation systems.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 5: Radiation and Heating of the Atmospheric System

2 study hours
  • •Describe the sun and its role in the atmospheric system.
  • •Explain how solar energy is transmitted to the earth and how the atmosphere is heated.
  • •Discuss the disposition of solar radiation and the radiation balance.
Week
4

Module 2: Atmospheric Processes

4h

Unit 1: Atmospheric Moisture

2 study hours
  • •Define atmospheric moisture and explain its significance.
  • •Describe humidity and the various indices of humidity.
  • •Explain the distribution of humidity and its impact on weather and climate.

Unit 2: Dynamics of Pressure and Wind Systems

2 study hours
  • •Explain the global distribution of pressure and wind systems.
  • •State the various planetary winds and explain their directions.
  • •Discuss the seasonal variations in pressure and winds.
Week
5

Module 2: Atmospheric Processes

4h

Unit 3: Condensation and Precipitation Process

2 study hours
  • •Explain how condensation takes place in the atmosphere.
  • •Describe the theories of raindrop formation.
  • •Explain the types of precipitation and their formation processes.

Unit 4: Seasonal Variations in Radiation, Daylight, and Temperature

2 study hours
  • •Describe the seasonal variations in solar radiation and their causes.
  • •Explain the seasonal variations in daylight and their impact on agriculture.
  • •Discuss the seasonal variations in temperature and the factors influencing them.
Week
6

Module 2: Atmospheric Processes

2h

Unit 5: Seasonal Variations in Evaporation and Rainfall

2 study hours
  • •Define evaporation and evapotranspiration and differentiate between actual and potential evapotranspiration.
  • •Describe the seasonal variations in evaporation and rainfall.
  • •Identify the major causes of seasonal variations in evaporation and rainfall.
Week
7

Module 3: Meteorological Applications

4h

Unit 1: Equipment and Maintenance of Standard Meteorological Stations

2 study hours
  • •Describe the layout of a weather station and its importance.
  • •Recognize the equipment for measuring rainfall, air temperature, and humidity.
  • •Explain the procedures for measuring rainfall, air temperature, and humidity.

Unit 2: Measurement of Air Pressure, Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Radiation and Sunshine Duration

2 study hours
  • •Recognize the equipment for measuring air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, radiation, and sunshine duration.
  • •Explain the procedures for measuring air pressure, wind speed, wind direction, radiation, and sunshine duration.
  • •Discuss the importance of accurate weather measurements.
Week
8

Module 3: Meteorological Applications

4h

Unit 3: Measurement of Evaporation and Evapotranspiration and the Maintenance of a Standard Meteorological Station

2 study hours
  • •Describe the equipment for measuring evaporation and evapotranspiration.
  • •Explain the procedures for measuring evaporation and evapotranspiration.
  • •Discuss the importance of maintaining a standard meteorological station.

Unit 4: Climate and Agriculture in the Tropics I

2 study hours
  • •Explain the general effects of radiation on crop growth.
  • •Discuss photoperiodism and its influence on crop distribution.
  • •Explain the general effects of water and humidity on crop growth.
Week
9

Module 3: Meteorological Applications

2h

Unit 5: Climate and Agriculture in the Tropics II

2 study hours
  • •Explain the effects of temperature on crop growth.
  • •Discuss the relationship between climate, pests, and diseases, and their impact on crop growth.
  • •Explain the relationship between agriculture and irrigation in the tropics.
Week
10

Module 1: Introduction

6h

Unit 1: Principles, Aims and Scope of Climatology

3 study hours
  • •Review the principles, aims, and scope of climatology.
  • •Revise the elements of weather and climate and their control factors.
  • •Practice identifying different cloud types and their associated weather conditions.

Unit 4: Dynamics of Earth's Atmosphere

3 study hours
  • •Review the dynamics of the earth's atmosphere and the factors influencing it.
  • •Revise the concepts of radiation and heating of the atmospheric system.
  • •Practice drawing and labeling diagrams of atmospheric circulation patterns.
Week
11

Module 2: Atmospheric Processes

6h

Unit 1: Atmospheric Moisture

3 study hours
  • •Review the concepts of atmospheric moisture and humidity.
  • •Revise the dynamics of pressure and wind systems.
  • •Practice calculating relative humidity using wet and dry bulb thermometer readings.

Unit 3: Condensation and Precipitation Process

3 study hours
  • •Review the condensation and precipitation processes.
  • •Revise the seasonal variations in radiation, daylight, and temperature.
  • •Practice identifying different types of precipitation and their formation mechanisms.
Week
12

Module 3: Meteorological Applications

6h

Unit 1: Equipment and Maintenance of Standard Meteorological Stations

3 study hours
  • •Review the equipment and maintenance of standard meteorological stations.
  • •Revise the measurement of air pressure, wind speed, and wind direction.
  • •Practice setting up and calibrating basic weather instruments.

Unit 3: Measurement of Evaporation and Evapotranspiration and the Maintenance of a Standard Meteorological Station

3 study hours
  • •Review the measurement of evaporation and evapotranspiration.
  • •Revise the effects of climate on agriculture in the tropics.
  • •Practice analyzing weather data to make informed agricultural decisions.
Week
13

Final Revision

6h

Final Revision and Assignment Completion

6 study hours
  • •Complete all outstanding assignments and review tutor-marked assignments (TMAs).
  • •Focus on areas where you need additional clarification.
  • •Participate in online forums to discuss challenging concepts with peers.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key concepts and definitions.

2

Practice applying formulas related to radiation balance, humidity, and evapotranspiration.

3

Review diagrams of atmospheric circulation patterns and weather systems.

4

Study the different types of meteorological instruments and their functions, focusing on practical applications.

5

Analyze case studies of climate-related agricultural challenges and propose solutions based on course content.

6

Focus on the regional climates of West Africa and their impact on agricultural practices.

7

Create flashcards for key terms and concepts to aid memorization.

8

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any feedback received.

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